Emerging Trends in Global Marketing

Globalization of markets has immensely changed the trends in marketing; the fast changing socio-economic factors have significantly impacted marketing. Due to globalization business enterprises are now operating in different countries. Economic globalization has led to the integration of financial markets and global trade.

Jones 2002 defines globalization to include the integration of product, labor and capital markets beyond national spheres. Concerning marketing, globalization led to the emergence of international markets for consumer goods resulting in the sale of similar products to customers from different cultures and the use of similar publicity campaigns. Marketing global brands come with a lot of challenges given the dynamic nature of the global markets. Global promotional strategies require the appreciation of the socio-economic differences, varied consumer tastes, the influence of science and technology and public attitudes towards advertisement methodologies.

Accelerated Growth of Global Markets

In the 21st century international trade has proved to be the driver of growth in not only global trade but also economic integration. The immense strides made in science and technology has further facilitated the globalization of markets and enterprises’ ability to trade in international spheres. Companies are now casting their nets into the wide international markets hence increasing their output to cater for the extended market.

It is noteworthy that peoples’ incomes across the world are increasing rapidly hence increasing the purchasing power. A report by World Bank indicates that with the exception of Sub-Saharan Africa per capita income is projected to increase worldwide. The increase in per capita income portends improved purchasing consequently creating higher marketing opportunities.

Breaking Down of Marketing Boundaries

Globalization and integration of economies have facilitated the breaking down of boundaries. Take for instance the case of the European Economic Union which has opened up markets and promoted the use of a single currency. Economic liberalization has led to the realization of free trade areas, reduction of distance and tariffs. The emergence of international financial regulators and facilitators such as the World Trade organization has brought about the decline in trade tariffs and opened up new markets. Regional trade agreements have further enhanced economic integration which made trading much easier. Many countries are also moving towards a market-driven economy which is capitalist in nature. Free market systems encourage the growth of trade and access to markets. In light of these developments marketing ought to be revolutionized to cater for the needs of the different consumers in different markets.

Scientific and technological revolution has further encouraged the breaking down of economic barriers. Scientific innovations have facilitated easier communication and eased traveling. This progress has made transportation cheaper hence expediting the movement of goods, people, and ideas. The significance of distance in trade has considerably reduced owing to the advancements in information and communication technology.

Product Proliferation and Shortening Product Life Cycle

Scientific inventions have improved the development of new products. The ever-changing and growing consumer needs have forced firms to customize products in line with customer specifications (Keegan, Warren,&Schlegelmilch, 2001). Firms are always competing to devise new products and retain their market share control. The proliferation of goods has enhanced the complexity of organizations to maintain their market segment and sustain their unique marketing proposition (UMP).

The pressure to keep up with changing consumer wants forces firms to invest in technology. Technological expenses can be daunting as product re-invention requires a substantial input in terms of resources. Firms may, therefore, resort to market skimming tactics to recover their investments promptly.

Growing Strength of Retailers

Global retail sales shot up to an estimate of 8 trillion USD in 2002. Moreover, the sales of top retailers accounted for 29% of the world market. This has motivated big retailers to put their labels on their goods resulting in a tough competition between manufacturers and retailers. In the United States, private labels collectively command greater shares in comparison with the largest national brand. Private labels share increased from 0.2% to 15 % between 2002 and 2003 according to an ACNeilsen report (Malhotra, 2003).

The developing economic power of retailers has led to the adoption of push tactics by the enterprises where the retailers exercise their sway to obtain more margins and reduce the promotional costs of the companies (Douglas, 1995).

Knowledge Economy

Knowledge economy entails the production of goods and services using information-intensive methodologies; knowledge economy stresses on the use of intellect more than physical effort. The advent of the information economy is steadily gaining significance in realizing competitiveness in organizations. The most progressive industries with high levels of growth such as designing, IT, biotechnology and electronics are chiefly knowledge-based ( Toyne&Walters, 1989). Intellectual property wields a lot of significance in today’s economies. Firms utilize intellectual property to acquire a competitive advantage over their competitors.

Information and Communication Technology

The use of the internet has revolutionized and integrated activities including marketing strategies. There are more mobile handsets and wireless devices than PCs. The use of social media marketing is on the rise as there are many people with social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. Social media marketing ensures increased brand recognition, enhanced brand loyalty, high conversion rates and access to a wide range of customers. Furthermore, Communication is vital for any commercial enterprise but constructive engagement with customers creates a good rapport between the business and its clientele

With the developments in communication and information technology, information is readily available and affordable. The ease with which consumers can access information about products has relatively reduced marketing expenses; virtual spaces have provided platforms for seller-buyer interactions.

Reverse Marketing

Technological innovation has enabled customers to engage in research on the products available in the market; this is referred to reverse marketing. Reverse marketing enables to identify their tastes and relay their preferences to the target producers through reverse promotion. The conventional marketing strategies are usually conducted by business enterprises but with the changes in the global environment consumers are gradually changing marketing trends by conducting their own market analysis.

Technological inventions have allowed customers to request for information from manufacturers and specify their interests by viewing the advertisements that coincide with their needs. Thus, an advertisement is initiated by clients. This phenomenon is known as reverse advertisement(Jeannet& Hennessy, 2005).

Physical Market-place to Virtual Market-space

The idea of e-marketing has changed the marketing processes from ‘physical marketplace’ to ‘virtual market-space’ that has extensively transformed consumer decision-making. E-marketing requires that content is user-specific as compared to the traditional media method of mass communication. The advertisement strategy should now focus on the specific needs of individual consumers (Hollensen, 2007).

The virtual space accords users the chance to scan the internet to obtain information on goods and services. Customers use the information acquired to make comparisons and identify products that meet their individual requirements. Online booking, for instance, has eliminated the need for intermediaries such as travel agents; this has significantly reduced operational costs for businesses.

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